Evaluation of egg and nauplii production parameters of a single stock of domesticated Penaeus monodon (Giant Tiger Shrimp) across generations

The egg and nauplii production parameters of a single stock of domesticated Penaeus monodon was evaluated in four discrete generations. In generations 1, 2, and 5 (G1, G2, G5) the stock was maintained under similar husbandry and dietary conditions within controlled temperature tank systems from two to 11months of age. In generation 8 (G8), the stock was reared in low-density ponds from two to five months of age and then transferred to tank systems for rearing through to 11months of age as per the earlier generations. At 11months of age, females were unilaterally eye-stalk ablated and their reproductive performance evaluated. Reproductive performance was evaluated for first spawnings obtained within 20days post-ablation and measures included: the number of eggs and nauplii per spawning and per gram of female weight per spawning; percentage of spawnings hatching, and; percentage of nauplii hatched. Numbers of eggs (000s) per spawning significantly increased over successive generations (mean±standard error) from 121±15 in G1 through to 380±56 by G8. Numbers of nauplii (000s) per spawning significantly increased beyond G2, increasing from 18±5 in G2 through to 161±23 by G5. These results demonstrate improvements in egg and nauplii production of the domesticated P. monodon stocks over successive generations. •Improved nauplii output of domesticated Penaeus monodon over successive generations.•Higher nauplii production due to increased egg production and nauplii hatching.•Heightened egg production due to improved oogenesis independent of broodstock size.